ELA 20 Blended Syllabus
2016-2017
The English Adventure!
What is ‘language arts’? What makes the English language ‘art’? Simply put, language arts is the study of literature, reading, and composition; but that can sound rather vague. What you are going to embark upon is unraveling the ins and outs of the English language and finding out just what can be done with it.
Keep in mind, this course is a prerequisite for English 30, so expect that we’re going to keep an academic focus (but have some fun as well.).
Your Teacher, Mrs. McCormick
I'll be your guide for this action-packed trip through reading, writing, viewing, speaking, listening, and representing of the English language. We will navigate our way through a variety of nonfiction, fiction, and poetry, stopping to sample the wares along the way!
Rules of the Road
1. Respect
- This not just a song! Show it towards the people, the place, and the things you encounter in this class, both online and in-person.
2. Common sense
- I know, I know. People say this isn't as common as it used to be, so let's cause a revival in this space and time we share.
3. When in doubt, ask!
- It is okay to ask questions. It does not hurt a bit.
4. The Big Picture
- This classroom is further bound by the expectations of the Alberta School Act (Section 12, Students p 24), the administrative policies of Prairie Land Regional Division, and the J.C. Charyk School Student handbook.
Learning Adventures Timeline
Nonfiction
A look at the types of non-fiction that exist, as well as an opportunity to hone your writing craft.
Fiction
Includes both a variety of short stories, Canadian and global, as well as our novel study. Your muse may even get to come out and play!
Drama
One of the Bard's classic tragedies, Macbeth, will take centre stage in our class.
Beneath the Ink
Poetry demystified. What wondrous meanings lie under the words?
The Medium IS the Message
Dive into the world of media with a study of different styles, techniques, and formats. Includes a look at advertising, news media, social media, podcasting, and our film study!
Course Review
Course review and exam prep.
Ongoing Activities
To sharpen your mad ELA skills, there will be ongoing reading, writing, and grammar tools activities including daily muse journals and weekly grammar practice (both online and off-line). See some of those apps below!
Guaranteed to be challenging and illuminating!
Apps We Use
Actively Learn
This is your online bookshelf. You will be assigned reading activities, as well as have the flexibility to explore on your own.
activelylearn.com
ELA 20-1 Class code: 5ac0d
ELA 20-2 Class code: 9479b
NoRedInk
This is your online writing conventions practice. You get to tailor it to your preferences, so it can tailor your practice passages.
noredink.com
Class code: df9a4m3a
Kahoot
Just one of the fast-paced ways to digitally review what we've been up to!
kahoot.it
Quizziz
One more way to digitally review what we've been up to!
Google Classroom
Classroom Procedures
- Need extra help? Ask and we can make arrangements to do so.
- Missing class? It's YOUR responsibility to find out what you missed and complete those assignments. Check out the 'While You Were Out' folders for any handouts.
- Late with an assignment? Best practice is to NOT fall into this trap; however, if this happens, you have ONE week from the assignment due date to turn it in (unless otherwise specified). After that, it falls into the Abyss of Missed Opportunities. Its screaming echos will be heard in your overall course grade at the end of term.
Assessment
To document how successfully you have equipped yourself this term, here is the assessment breakdown. Grades will be cumulative. You will have both formative and summative assessments.
Course Work
Assignments: 70%
Tests/Quizzes: 30%
Final Grade
Course work: 70%
Final exam*: 30%
*Includes both a written and multiple choice component.
Stay Organized with Remind!
Contact Information
Email: jennifer.mccormick@plrd.ab.ca
Website: jcc.plrd.ab.ca
Location: Room #197, J.C. Charyk School
Phone: 403-854-3642
Twitter: @mmclassroom